Neil Wasser, Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete. (Courtesy photo)

National labor and employment firm Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete has expanded its U.S. presence to Arkansas, forming an affiliate relationship with Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, a Little Rock labor and employment boutique.

Constangy's national footprint now includes 25 offices, including the Little Rock location, according to the Atlanta-based firm's website. Cross Gunter, which was founded in 1997, has 22 lawyers in Arkansas.

Under an of counsel relationship, according to the firms, the Cross Gunter lawyers will serve Constangy clients in Arkansas and contiguous states, while Constangy will serve Cross Gunter's clients nationally, particularly in California where Constangy has three offices.

"Arkansas is a market well-positioned for growth, and we're excited to be able to offer these new resources for our clients with interests in the region," said Constangy's chairman, Neil Wasser, in an announcement on Jan. 30.

Wasser added that the two firms have "similar philosophies" of "building teams of high-quality, diverse attorneys who really understand what clients need in today's rapidly changing workplaces."

Cross Gunter director Carolyn Witherspoon, who is one of the firm's founding partners, said in a statement that many of the Arkansas firm's clients have legal matters across the country so the affiliation with Constangy gives them access to a national network of attorneys.

"It makes us stronger, giving us the resources and presence of a larger firm while maintaining the flexibility and focus that have defined our brand in Arkansas for more than 20 years," Witherspoon said.

Prior to the Cross Gunter affiliation, Constangy most recently opened an office in Raleigh, North Carolina in September with a partner from labor and employment rival Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart.